Study of the sustentability indicator ecological footprint: a theoretical-empirical approach

Abstract

This article aims to describe the methodology of Ecological Footprint, a tool to measure, communicate and compare the development of nations, using a theoretical and empirical grounds through a literature search conducted in the literature. The content of the study initially discusses the deinitions, the assumptions adopted, the method for calculating the indicator and the main advantages and disadvantages of using the method of Ecological Footprint. The results for this indicator, in different countries worldwide, shows that Brazil has an ecological surplus, allowing the social and economic development with conservation of natural resources.